If you’re familiar with animal sheltering or adopting an animal, you’ve likely heard the “Rule of 3”. If you haven’t or need a refresher, the rule of 3 states to expect behavior changes (good or bad) after adopting an animal after 3 days, 3 weeks, and then 3 months while the animal gets used to their new home.

The first 3 days, the animal you bring home is likely overwhelmed, has no clue what to expect as far as routine goes, may be shut down, or the opposite and is testing boundaries. During those first 3 weeks, the animal is likely starting to learn the routine and feel more comfortable. Often they start showing their true personality at 3 weeks, or behavior concerns that weren’t around previously may creep up. After 3 months, the animal is likely to feel even more comfortable in their home, has a routine and has really started forming a true bond with the family.

Now the “Rule of 3” is not a concrete rule. Each animal is unique and will adjust differently and at their own pace. You may find that a more fearful animal goes by a “Rule of 6”, or a super social animal that made themselves right at home within the first week. The key point of this “Rule of 3” is to understand that the animal is having to adjust to a lot of changes, especially if coming from a shelter environment. So give the animal some grace and understanding for what they are going through.

Think about yourself and if you’ve ever had to move, even as a kid. We have to go through our own decompression period in a sense. First, we’re getting our new living space in order and unpacked, creating a new routine. Then we’re getting to know the area, the stores, the schools, maybe even a new workplace. Then we’re getting to know the people and forming relationships. A new area might not feel like “home” for several months, or even a year! Even myself, I’ve gone through several moves in my adult life so you’d think the decompression period would happen faster. But in fact, it seems to take me longer. I’ve been a resident of the Wood River Valley for 6 years and it has taken me a full 4 years for me to really find my groove. Even now as I age and make new friendships, I’m having to make little adjustments.

Now we shift back to an animal’s perspective, adding that they don’t even speak the same language and are having to make similar adjustments. So what else does this “Rule of 3” mean for you and your new 4-legged family member (or 3-legged)? Create boundaries. Boundaries are healthy and ok! It’s easier to remove boundaries later than having to add them in. Figure out the “rules” of your house, is the animal allowed on the bed? Couch? Your office? The kitchen? Prevent access to these areas at first. Reward the animal for being in areas you want to encourage (like they’re own bed). Keep the animal contained when not supervised (this will help with potty training for dogs too). Avoid large crowds and big parties. We want you to get to know your animal and your animal to get to know you. Putting them in an overwhelming situation or environment is not an effective method to “test” your new pet, especially when they are still learning to trust you. Keep your regular routine (unless your regular routine includes parties at your house). Go to work per usual. Go to the store per usual. It’s ok for your dog to understand that you won’t be around 24/7 (if your dog suffers from separation-related distress, reach out to us so we can help you out).

Getting a new animal is fun and exciting. Take the time to really get to know your new animal and allow them to get to know you too. Form a relationship, build a bond. If you’re having difficulties at any point in the process of owning an animal, Mountain Humane has many services available to help you, including behavior assistance. Reach out to behavior@mountainhumane.org for your behavior and training needs.

Additional resources

Fact Sheets/Guides

Training Videos

Mountain Humane Dog Training Classes and Private Training